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Inside Today: A complete guide to all the New Year’s events around the area • Page 3A ��

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THE BRIEF.

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LEADER of the YEAR For more than 30 years, we have named a Leader of the Year. This year, we decided to ﬁnd a future leader. And we did. Read about her on Page 4B.

Clerk establishes way for jurors to donate

So Long, 2013

The District Clerk’s Office hopes that it can play a small part in aiding the widows and children of these firefighters and officers by allowing jurors to donate jury pay to The 100 Club. Donations of juror pay will be used by The 100 Club in a number of ways. Over the years, The 100 Club has received $40.7 million in donations and disbursed as much. Of that, $16.8 million went to help the dependents of more than 160 fallen and severely injured officers and firefighters. Another $11.8 million was donated to buy protective vests and other life-protecting equipment for law enforcement agencies. And another $7.5 million went for scholarships for officers pursuing criminal justice degrees. Launched in 1953, The 100 club was the brainchild of Leopold Meyer, Ray Elliot, R.H. Abercrombie, William A. “Bill” Smith and Jim “Silver Dollar” West. They convinced 100 people to kick in $100 each for the familes of HPD officers killed in the line of duty. Rick Hartley, executive director of The 100 Club, said, “We are extremely pleased that Chris and Commissioners Court have included The 100 Club on the list of organizations to which jurors can donate pay.”

It was a year of changes, from looks to neighbors by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com Before you toast hello to 2014, it’s time to take a look back at the biggest stories that impacted your lives and your neighborhoods.

1. Real Estate

It’s hard to say there was anything bigger than the continuing real estate boom in the Heights, Oak Forest and Garden Oaks. In fact, we believe it is the biggest story of 2013. It’s rare to drive around these neighborhoods without seeing new home construction and/or new businesses popping up. The past 12 months have been a great time to be an entrepreneur or real estate agent in the area. Small houses have given way to larger properties – on the same lots – in rapidly changing neighborhood. If you were a buyer this year, you moved into a great place. If you were a seller, chances are you made some money. The reason real estate is the biggest story of the year isn’t just because so many homes were sold at such a high value. Rather, the growth impacts every part of our lives – from our schools to our stores to our churches and everywhere in between. New homeowners inject new life into neighborhoods, and while there are growing pains with any transition, there is nothing that tops the gentriﬁcation of our neighborhoods.

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2-1 HOME FOR RENT: Fresh paint. Fenced-in yard. New appliances. Remodeled bath. $875 monthly, $875 deposit. 713-691-2696. ALTERATIONS: Reasonable. Pick up and delivery. Charlotte, 713-6940003. HANDYMAN SAVES YOU MONEY: Plumbing, electrical, carpentry. 281660-0350.

See more, Page 7B

THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

2A 3A 4A 7A 6A 4A 6B 7B

Everywhere you look, there’s change in the area. On virtually every block, a new home is being built or an old one is being remodeled. And even the most established of businesses are changing with the times, including Tommie Vaughn Ford, which is nearing completion of its renovations.

2. School transitions

Changes in local schools come in as a close second among top stories in The Leader area. • Parents at Durham Elementa-

ry School in Shepherd Park Plaza were understandably frustrated when they had three principals in as many years. They voiced their concerns with Houston ISD, but they were pleased when the district named Angie Sugarek the new principal. • Waltrip High principal Steve Siebenhaler resigned in February under a cloud of controversy. The Oak Forest-based school has bounced back under the leadership of new principal Andria Schur, who has re-energized the school and overseen a sharp increase in college applications among seniors. They’ve also held regular meetings to discuss progress on the 2007 and 2012 bond projects to improve the school. Part of the problem in the past was the lack of communication between HISD and the Waltrip community with the ’07 bond. • St. Thomas High School had wanted to acquire the property adjacent to its campus on Shepherd Drive and Memorial Drive, from HISD. After three bids, STH finally acquired the property in November where HISD’s High School for Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice is located, with a $60 million bid. • HISD’s Energy Institute High School, the first of its kind in the nation, opened in August. Leaders in the Energy industry pledged to work with the district to help students pursue careers in that field.

3. Crime concerns linger

With waves of crime affecting the area – especially Oak Forest – security became a major issue in

see 2013 • Page 9A

One week away from stiffest competition in the area It’s back... And if you don’t know what we’re talking about just from seeing the picture accompanying this story, you’re in for quite a treat. Next week, in our Jan. 4 edition, we’re kicking off the 2nd Annual Leader Loveables contest. In a nutshell, we’re looking for the cutest pets in the area. If the contest is anything like last year, it’s a good idea to capture the best picture you can ﬁnd of your four-legged friends. We’re not saying you should hire a modeling photographer, but it sure wouldn’t hurt. While this is just an introduction to the contest – and with things getting in full gear next week – there are some changes to the competition this year.

�� For starters, we are going to have two categories this year: Dogs and Cats. We know this may upset the bird owners, but we didn’t receive any bird nominations last year, and we only had one ﬁsh, who we hear has since departed (stress from the pageantry, we’re sure). So, here are the rules: • Beginning with the Jan. 4 edition of The

Leader, you will have the opportunity to submit a photo and a short description of your pet (30 words or less). • It will cost $10 to nominate your pet, and we’ll provide you with a simple nomination form. (If you have more than one pet, you are welcome to pit Sylvester up against his brother Smoky.) • We will accept nominations of pets until Tuesday, Jan. 14 at noon. That means you’ll only have two weeks to send in your nominations. • Beginning in the Jan. 18 edition of The Leader, we will publish the photo of every nominated pet, along with a ballot. (We also will have the photos posted on our website, www.theleadernews.com). Immediately af-

ter the ballots are published, we will begin accepting votes – one per day per person, and the ballot can be photocopied. • We will run all photos of the nominated pets again in the Jan. 25 edition of The Leader and, again, we will publish a ballot for a second time. • Votes will be accepted until Monday, Jan. 27, and they will be done both with paper ballot and online. • We will publish the Top Two winners in both the Dog and Cat categories in the Feb. 1 edition of The Leader. Until next week, start taking pictures (or ﬁnding old ones) of your pets. We’ll give you details on nominations and voting next week.

Page 2A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • @heightsleader

Addison charged with aggravated assault Kevin Lamont Addison, 41, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon at 8:20 a.m. Dec. 17 in the 700 block of Waugh.

Carjack victim

A 27-yearold man became a robbery victim at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in the 2700 block Addison of W. T.C. Jester Blvd. The victim picked up a woman who drove him to a location where two male suspects got into his 2002 Ford Explorer. One of them pulled a baseball bat out of the back seat, and the victim got out of the vehicle. The suspects drove oﬀ in the vehicle, which was later recovered. The victim provided names of potential suspects to police. There were no injuries.

Merchant assaulted

A 26-year-old man selling concert

tickets in the 1500 block of Durham at 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 15 was seriously injured and transported to a nearby hospital when a white female with blonde hair, 20 to 25 years old, drove oﬀ with the tickets without paying for them. The victim was clinging to the side of the car as the suspect drove oﬀ.

Texan Tire and Wheel robbery over rims

A suspect entered Texan Tire & Wheel, 5602 North Shepherd, at noon on Dec. 20 and stole three rims out of the store. The suspect, who is known to the store employees, was described as a black male in his mid 30s who was not armed. He apparently paid a deposit on rims, and when they arrived in the store, he went to the store and said he never wanted them. He angrily demanded his deposit be returned, before stealing the merchandise. There were no injuries.

Chapman robbery

Two black male suspects, described between 25 and 30 years old, robbed the Chapman Food Market, 5525 Chapman, at 8:50 p.m. Dec. 20. They entered the store

with semi-automatic pistols. They stole an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. There were no injuries.

Family violence on Seaspray Court

James Jimenez, 29, was charged with assault on a family member at 8:10 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the 1700 block of Seaspray Court after he allegedly attacked his father, punching him and throwing a glass candle at him. His 53-year-old father sustained minor injuries. According to police, the attack occurred after Jimenez asked his mother to do his laundry, and his father told him she won’t.

KFC robbery

The KFC, 2701 Yale, was robbed at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 19. Two black male suspects armed with pistols, between the ages of 20 and 25, wore black hoods and masks, took an undisclosed amount of money and an employee’s cell phone before ﬂeeing. There were no injuries.

her in the 300 block of Saulnier when a black male suspect got out of his car with a pistol, demanding her money and her 2013 Ford Mustang. She complied, and the suspect drove oﬀ with the car, which was later discovered. The suspect is still at large. There were no injuries.

One injured in electrical ﬁre on Shepherd

One civilian was transported to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation in an electrical fire at an auto upholstery shop just before 1 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the 2600 block of North Shepherd. Fifty firefighters responded to the call, and got control of the fire within 10 minutes. There was an estimated $10,000 in damage to the shop and its back wall. The Houston Fire Department said the fire appeared to have been caused by an electrical fault or short on the back wall of the building.

�� 5386 W. 34TH STREET AT HWY. 290

Car recovered in Saulnier robbery

7 1 3 . 6 8 1 . 11 2 5

A 24-year-old woman was parked in

Abandoned home The City of Houston inspected the property at 1636 Lamonte on Dec. 11 and found that high weeds and a fence in need of repair were violations. The City posted a placard on the property and mailed a notice of violation to the owner, Gillis Berton Thomas, who doesn’t reside at the aforementioned address. HCAD appraised the 1,339 square foot home in Oak Forest at $213,137 in January.

Announcing

Ryland Homes IN TOWN

Police Reports, Dec. 14 - 21

713-694-4867 875 Wakeﬁeld Dr. Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

Assault 8 PM 3100-3199 WHITE OAK DR Burglary 3:50 AM 1400-1499 NORTH LP W SER Burglary 1:30 AM 1900-1999 NORTH LP W Theft 1 PM 2500-2599 NORTH LP W Burglary 7:15 AM 2700-2799 18TH ST Theft 9 PM 700-799 YALE Theft 9 PM 3000-3099 WHITE OAK DR Theft 8:30 PM 400-499 OXFORD ST Theft 7:40 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 9 PM 300-399 ROSAMOND Theft 4 PM 1500-1599 OLIVER Theft 10 PM 700-799 20TH ST

DEC. 18

Arrest 9 AM 7300 BLOCK OF N SHEPHERD DR Arrest 10:08 AM 7300 BLOCK OF N SHEPHERD DR Theft 11:10 AM 2900-2999 AIRLINE DR Theft 11:30 AM 300-399 NORTH ST Theft 1 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT DR Theft 10:50 AM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS Robbery 11:30 AM 700-799 MAIN ST Theft 7:30 PM 300-399 27TH ST Theft 6:30 PM 1300-1399 NICHOLSON Theft 11 PM 900-999 30TH ST Theft 9 PM 2600-2699 WHITE OAK DR Theft 9:30 PM 5200-5299 KIAM Theft 7 PM 2400-2499 WASHINGTON Theft 6 PM 1300-1399 SILVER Theft 9 PM 2300-2399 BRON HOLLY DR Theft 8 PM 1300-1399 NICHOLSON Theft 5:45 PM 1800-1899 ELLA BLVD

Map not drawn to scale Katy Fwy

Homes from the $360’s

R E SE RV E O N

713-301-4702

Homes from the $360’s

enclave on

832-831-1391

DEC. 20

Robbery 1:40 AM 1300-1399 NORTHWOOD Burglary 6 AM 2200-2299 11TH ST Theft 2 PM 1800-1899 NORTH LP W Theft 6:30 PM 4700-4799 AIRLINE DR Theft 12:01 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON Theft 5 PM 200-299 19TH ST Theft 9 PM 300-399 30TH ST Burglary 5:15 AM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY Theft 12 AM 1000-1099 SILVER Robbery 12 PM 5600-5699 SHEPHERD Theft 11 AM 2200-2299 COHN ST

DEC. 21

Theft 3 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W Theft 1:30 PM 3800-3899 SHEPHERD DR Theft 6:30 PM 3100-3199 WHITE OAK Theft 12:01 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 12:30 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 11:25 PM 2700-2799 18TH ST Theft 10:34 AM 400-499 VICTORIA DR Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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White Oak Dr

Enclave on Oxford

Homes from the $600’s

713-301-4702

In the Houston division, prices, plans, elevations and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice. Map is an artist’s conception for general information purposes only and is not to scale. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions and restrictions. © 2013 The Ryland Group, Inc. RH1063

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W 11th St

STREET

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Yale St

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO

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W 20th St Studewood St

Theft 2:10 PM 2600-2699 YALE Theft 5:55 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W SER

BUY ★ SELL ★ TRADE

ain St

DEC. 17

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Reserve on Kansas

Robbery 7:45 PM 2700-2799 YALE Theft 2:49 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 6 PM 2100-2199 SHEPHERD DR Burglary 12:22 PM 500-599 HEIDRICH Theft 3 PM 1900-1999 TAYLOR Theft 1:58 PM 5100-5199 CENTER ST Theft 4:30 PM 1200-1299 43RD ST Theft 11:30 PM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 5:45 PM 700-799 CROSSTIMBERS Assault 9:15 PM 7200-7299 KNOX Assault 7:30 AM 5600-5699 YALE

NM

Theft 2:40 AM 3200-3299 MANGUM Theft 11:20 AM 5000-5099 KATY FWY Burglary 9 PM 4400-4499 KOEHLER Theft 9 AM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 5:30 PM 600-699 MEMORIAL HEIGHTS DR Robbery 10:30 PM 2700-2799 T C JESTER BLVD Theft 12 AM 5600-5699 HARVARD ST Theft 4:30 PM 1100-1199 WEST LP N Theft 12 AM 1900-1999 YALE Theft 3:10 PM 2800-2899 ELLA BLVD Theft 1:30 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 10:24 AM 900-999 STUDEMONT Theft 12 AM 700-799 WITCHER LN Theft 12:30 AM 4600-4699 SHERWOOD Theft 6 AM 1900-1999 ANSBURY DR

PERSONAL DEFENSE WEAPONS

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DEC. 16

WE BUY ALL GUNS

DEC. 19

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Theft 11 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 6 PM 5300-5399 NOLDA Theft 8:30 PM 1200-1299 26TH ST Theft 12 AM 4800-4899 WASHINGTON Theft 10 PM 4100-4199 SHERWOOD LN Theft 5:30 PM 3300-3399 WHITNEY Assault 6:40 PM 1500-1599 DURHAM Assault 6:33 PM 4400-4499 ELSER ST

Concealed Handgun Classes

TC

Durham Dr

DEC. 15

DON’T BE A VICTIM!

Reserve on W. 26th St. W 18th St

Shepherd Dr

Theft 2:25 PM 1100-1199 SHEPHERD DR Theft 2:41 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W Robbery 10:36 PM 100-199 CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 9 AM 3400-3499 HOUSTON AVE Robbery 11:08 PM 7500-7599 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10 AM 11000-11099 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 5:50 PM 4200-4299 MAIN ST Assault 7 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT DR Burglary 4:30 PM 1700-1799 MAIN ST Theft 10 AM 2800-2899 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:30 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP SER Theft 1:30 PM 5200-5299 FOUNDERS WAY CT

Assault 8:10 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY

Ella Blvd

DEC. 14

W 34th St

North Loop Fwy

U PAY LESS ~ U GET MORE! 2830 HICKS • 713-869-8321 • ArnesWarehouse.com

Page 3A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • @heightsleader

New Year’s Eve Planner Local restaurants, bars offer up plenty of 2014 events Benjy’s

Just because it’s New Year’s Eve doesn’t mean you have to travel to some exotic hotel to have a great time. There’s plenty to do right in (and around) your own ZIP code. Below are listings of some of the best party spots in the area, complete with information on when they’ll open and close on New Year’s Eve.

Benjy’s will be serving their regular menu with a champagne toast at midnight. Benjy’s is located at 5922 Washington Ave. For more information, visit www.benjys. com.

J. Black’s

J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen & Lounge will be holding a Countdown To 2014 New Year’s Eve celebration with doors opening at 7 p.m. There will be entertainment provided by The Booth Pimps. Individual tickets are $10, which includes VIP entry and an individual champagne toast. A reserved table for four includes four VIP entries, four reserved seats, a champagne toast with a $200 food and beverage minimum. A reserved table for six includes six VIP entries, six reserved seats, a champagne toast with a $300 food and beverage minimum. There will be specials with twenty-ﬁve percent off bottle service and champagne. Pre-ordering is strongly recommended to ensure availability. The Feel Good Lounge is the ideal party experience. Contact J. Black’s for availability and details on this exclusive opportunity. To book, visit www.jblacks.com/ houstonnye. For more information, visit eventshouston@jblacks. com or call 832-409-9881. J. Black’s is located at 110 S. Heights Blvd.

The Corkscrew

The party starts at 7 p.m. with The Corkscrew’s killer house DJ, who will be spinning the best music to dance to. There is a huge dance floor for all the break dancing or cotton eyed Joe needs, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. There will be enough adult beverages to make the thought of sunlight the next day totally unbearable. Dancing, drinking and eating, and it’s all close to home, and it is FREE… yes, free! Tables are on a first come, first served basis, so get there early. For large groups, call Chasity to reserve a spot at 713-230-8352 or email thecorkscrewhoutx@gmail. com. If you have ever been to the Hallowine or Anti-Valentine dances, then you know about the good times. This is the best party in town at the best party spot, as voted in The Leader’s Readers Choice Awards. For more information, visit www.houstoncorkscrew.com. The Corkscrew is located at 1308 W. 20th St.

to ring in the New Year at Down House and boogie all night. Down House is located at 1801 Yale St. For more information or to view the menu, visit www. downhousehouston.com or call 713-864-3696.

The Federal Grill

Federal and Moet invite you to New Year’s Eve 2014. There will be a special three course Pre Fixe Menu with the ﬁrst seating from 5 p.m. for 60 and the second seating from 9 p.m. for $75. This is an exclusive event with Moet & Chandon Champagne offering a special price of $48 per bottle. There will be a champagne toast and an amazing party. Be sure to reserve a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne for the special price when making reservations. For more details, visit http://thefederalgrill.com/newyears-eve or call 713-863-7777. The Federal Grill is located at 510 Shepherd Dr.

CRISP

Taps House of Beer

Taps will be having a “Bling in the new year, 2014 ct gold”. There will be no cover at the door. The event will feature some of their golden ales and some great specials on Goldschlager, and other libations. There will be cash prizes for people dressed in some great ideas for New Years that are “blinged out”. There will be a free champagne toast and some late night bites for those needing a snack after the toast. For more information, visit www.tapshouseofbeer.com. Taps House of Beer is located at 5120 Washington Ave.

New Year’s Eve 2014 at Crisp will feature a new menu, a countdown to the ball drop, party favors, a Bubblee Toast and a chance to win a LED TV at midnight. Obsolete August - Trio will be playing live from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m Space is limited, so make reservations soon, by emailing mynextevent@crisphouston.com. Crisp is located at 2220 Bevis. For more information, visit www.crsiphouston.com.

FPH NYE

Pegstar.net presents FPH NYE! featuring girl talk, George Clinton and parliament Funkadelic, Big Freedia, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Lance Herbstrong, Drrrty Poonjabi, Grandfather Child, The Beans, Depressed Mode, Josiah Gabriel, DJ Fredster, G. Wizz, and Mikey and the Drags. There will be interactive light and art, rad local food and drinks, and a mega super deluxe mega ringing in of the new year. General admission is $45. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the event will be held at Sam Houston Park - Downtown at 1000 Bagby and Allen Parkway. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.FPHNYE.com

3-7 Daily

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Tila’s Restaurante & Bar

“Stop in the Name of Love” at Tila’s Third Annual Motown New Year’s Eve Party! “Let’s get it on” at the event with a three course dinner, live Motown Band, and champagne at midnight. The event starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $70 per person, not including tax or gratuity. To RSVP, call 713-522-7654. For more information, visit http:// www.tilas.com/. Tila’s Restaurante & Bar is located at 1111 S. Shepherd on the curve.

Plonk! will be celebrating this New Year’s Eve with a special prix ﬁxe dinner in beautiful Oak Forest. The price is $75 per person or $65 with reservations before 6:30. Reservations are required for prix ﬁxe menu. Price does not include tax and gratuity and menu is subject to change based on availability. To reserve a table, email Leah@plonkbistro.com. For more information, visit http://www. plonkbistro.com/. Plonk! Beer & Wine Bistro is located at 1214 West 43rd St.

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Wakeﬁeld CrowBar

Celebrate the coming of a new year and the ending of great one with Wakefield CrowBar. Expect a fun, laid back environment with plenty of dancing, bottle popping and good vibes. They will be offering four different packages for table/bottle service, including Grey Goose Vodka for $200, Crown Royal for $200, Absolut for $175 or Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Each package will include three carafes for juices, four red bulls, one bottle of La Marca Prosecco, table decorations and a gift bag. There will be a $20 cover charge for those attending without reservations. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and drink specials. For reservations, call 713-686-8388 or email wakefieldcrowbar@gmail. com. For more information, visit http://www.wakefieldcrowbar. com. Wakefield CrowBar is located at 954 Wakefield Dr.

Mexican Restaurant 713-682-3853

Down House

This will be the third year celebrating New Year’s Eve at Down House. “Stay off the highways, stay in the neighborhood, and have a blast,” the Down House announcement exclaimed. The event will feature a four course dinner with beer, wine and cocktail pairings, a live DJ, a champagne toast and dancing after dinner. Tickets are $100 including tax and gratuity. The event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets soon. There will be two seating options. The ﬁrst option is from 5-7 p.m. for those who might need to make it an early evening or have other obligations but would like to enjoy a delicious and festive meal. The second option is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for those who would like

Enter the New Year through the Garden of Eden at Celtic Gardens. NYE 2014 will feature complimentary Hors D’Oeuvres from 7-9 p.m., The Boothpimps, DJ Playboy and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m. with tickets for $15 for presale or $20 at the door. Groups of 10 or more get complimentary admission when purchased before Dec. 29. Groups of 20 or more get discount pricing when purchased before Dec. 29. To purchase tickets, call 832-801-6906 or email lizzy@kchentertainment.com. For more information, visit http:// www.celticgardenshouston.com/. Celtic Gardens is located at 2300 Louisiana.

Plonk!

The H-Town Countdown

When the bright lights, ﬂying aerialists, and booming beats begin after dark this New Year’s Eve, be sure you are on the A-list for this year’s hottest, most-exclusive ball dropping celebration – THE H-Town Countdown. Ring in 2014 at this premium, all-inclusive event at Silver Street Studio. With four fully-stocked bars, bottle service options, and actual professional bartenders, you’ll be sure you are getting ﬁrstclass, FAST bar service. And trust us – you aren’t going to want to be waiting in line at the bar with famous 80’s Glam cover band LC ROCKS, rockin’ the stage, KRBE’s DJ Tony Styles mixing it up, and the one and only Mickey Avalon bringing this New Years to its knees! Many of Houston’s now famous food trucks will be lining up after the stroke of midnight to provide our guests with delicious latenight indulgences. The party begins at 10 p.m. Get your tickets today to The H-Town Countdown 2014, so you’re not left to settle for second best. For more information visit http://www.htownnye.com/. Silver Street Studio is located at 2000 Edwards St.

Celtic Gardens

5305 Antoine @ Pinemont FREE NACHOS - Dec 23-24 Limit 3 Coupons Per Table

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1308 W. 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008 713-230-8352 www.houstoncorkscrew.com

PROUD NEWS PARTNER WITH

Page 4A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • @heightsleader

Just when you’ve got it ﬁgured out, buy another book

A

bout seven minutes after your newborn enters the world, a team of nurses, dubbed “Operation Swaddle,” descends on the delivery room. Without getting too technical, this team teaches you the importance of cutting all blood ﬂow to the extremities of your preciously odd-shaped child. It’s been a few months since I’ve penned an update on Master Hank, and while I know most of you could care less, the rigors of child rearing is just too much fun to avoid. Back to swaddling. For those of you without children – or those who have forgotten – swaddling is the process by which you turn your child into a burrito. You place him in a blanket (think square tortilla), and through a series of rodeo maneuvers, you lock his arms and legs into a straight jacket. When done properly, the only thing he can move are his eyelashes. Prior to becoming a dad, the only thing I knew about swaddling was that Mary did it to Jesus, making for a semi-comfortable night in a manger. Then I saw my wife do it to Hank. Poor Baby Jesus. Poor Hank. At least that’s what I thought. Obviously, I’ve been educated as to the purposes of swaddling. When an unborn child is still growing inside mom, he has very little room to move. He becomes comfortable in conﬁnement, and swaddling a newborn apparently soothes him. Makes him feel like he’s back in the

THE READER.

Carr’s Train

Thank you for the article on Paul Carr’s wondrous wooden playground train, destined to bring untold joy to generations of children in Donovan Park. It’s only the latest in his astonishing list of contributions. Paul’s fingerprints can be found on virtually every significant Heights project spanning the past four decades. In fact it is difficult to envision the Heights of today without his influence. Beyond the tangible projects, and countless volunteer hours, without his wise leadership we would almost certainly would be far less of a community and instead just another of Houston’s geographic areas. Not every neighborhood is fortunate enough to have a Paul Carr call it home. Every Heights resident owes him a debt of gratitude. Terry Burge

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

womb, which I thought was the entire purpose of all that kicking – so he could get outta there. Besides, the kid has arms and legs that need to grow, right? Shouldn’t he be allowed to kick a hole in his crib? Never mind. Let’s just say I’ve fought the whole theory of swaddling. Here’s what I’ve learned about being a new parent, and that’s really the topic of today’s lesson – I mean column: You never, ever, never have it ﬁgured out. It doesn’t matter how many vows you make before the due date. It doesn’t matter how many books you read or questions you ask. The moment you think you have mastered parenthood, boom. Somebody suggests you read another book. I swore, for instance, that I would not partake in the gibberish they call “baby talk.” I have made fun of people who raise their voices an octave and rattle off “goos” and “gahs.” I always believed a child should learn the King’s English from Day 1. Teach the boy to enunciate.

Passenger Rail (From Facebook)

I would absolutely love this. I support an expansion of the rail line to Oak Forest. Meredith Raine Cool! Grace Hernandez Man, that’s so 1920s! Greg Pannebaker I would so ride this train. Patti Andon

Astrodome Wishes

Go through the vowels repeatedly. Speak with sharp “T’s.” The other night, as Hank sat on my lap facing me, a noise came out of my mouth that I have never made, not once in my life. It was a combo hum-vibration-German sound. And though I’m certain you think I’m making this up, I literally stopped myself and asked, aloud, “What in the world was that?” I was not asking Hank. I was asking myself. You see, I thought new parents were under the impression that if they made stupid sounds, their children could understand them. You know, kind of like a person who talks to cats. What I’ve now discovered is that every ounce of your being, especially with a 3-month-old child, is geared toward one of two things – making him laugh or making him stop crying. So I sat with Hank on the couch and tried to go through the vowels. A-E-I-O would U shut up dad? That’s the look Hank had on his face. He watched me sound out vowels – alertly, mind you – and he didn’t budge. He just stared at me as if I didn’t even understand swaddling. That’s when I started to hum. Still nothing. Then I hummed and made motor-boat sounds with my lips. Hank’s upper lip moved a little, Elvis style, and I realized I was onto something. And that’s when I made some other gargling sound, and

all of a sudden, his face lit up and he laughed. You want to talk about pure gold to a dad? I’m not sure there’s anything better than your baby boy laughing at you. Besides developing communication skills with our child, Meghan and I also have learned that the once sacred cleanliness of our home has been sacrificed at the altar of accessibility. On my way out of the house just the other morning, I looked around our den and couldn’t help but chuckle. There once was a time when I’d have a cup of water or juice shortly before going to bed, and for some reason only beknownst to a man, I’d leave the cup sitting on the coffee table. My wife, diligently, would come behind me and place the cup in the sink. Eventually, she kindly asked me to start putting the darn cup in the sink myself, and most times, I remembered. It was all an effort to keep the house tidy. So much for that. As I walked out of the house, I looked around to find all kinds of circular objects strewn across the den. There’s the bouncer, the swing, the pacifiers, and the mat on the floor. It literally looks like aliens have descended on our home and left crop circles, and that’s not all. Hank really likes monkeys. One of them rattles. One of them has wax paper inside, which makes a sound that makes Hank laugh, which makes me want to buy more of them.

What I’m learning – and what many of you learned a long time ago – is that you just have to figure it out as you go. Meghan and I recently realized that Hank’s sleeping schedule was not conducive to, well, sanity. Someone suggested another book, and Meghan literally read it while at a stoplight. What we learned was that Hank should not be waking up at 2 a.m., every single morning. We should not be feeding him to help him fall asleep – nobody told us that. I always eat to fall asleep. We learned there should be wake time, quiet time and that, by now, the boy should be sleeping through the night without a swaddle. So Meghan and I used what little sanity we had left and decided it was time to move the boy to his own room and let him cry himself to sleep. After about 30 minutes on our first night, and after repeated pacifier insertions, Hank finally fell asleep. Then he woke up two hours later. Meghan, in desperate need of sleep, asked me to check on him. And I did, coaxing him back to sleep with said pacifier. Ten minutes later he was crying again. Insert pacifier again. And yep, 10 minutes later, he was crying again. In a fog only known to new parents, I rolled over to Meghan and said, “He needs to be swaddled.” And it worked. Told you so. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

With over 3,000 people a week moving to Houston over the last few years, we can’t expect them to have any feeling one way or the other toward the Astrodome and especially pay higher taxes to restor it, but there are many more people in Houston who would like to see someone or some business step forward to rescue our 8th Wonder of the World. As someone who was working there on opening night and has brought more spots fans to the Astrodome over 30 years than any other individual, I would love to see it saved. “Giﬀ” Griﬃn

and underneath was printed “HAVE CHANGE.” Unsigned

make any sense at all. We really need to just tear down the existing structure and start over. It seems that with HHAC that is impossible. So we’re stuck with this old house, which isn’t comfortable to live in. The only way out is apparently to rent. Mike Walker

On Panhandlers

More than any other event in our young city’s history, the opening of the Houston Astrodome with all its engineering ﬁrsts proved to the rest of the country that Houston was a “can do city.”

I thought I had seen it all with the various messages on the homeade cardboard signs displayed by panhandlers on our northwest Houston street medians and corners... but recently I saw a new approach: One holding a sign that read “HOMELESS,”

Historically Stuck

We are property owners in Houston Heights West. The house is a sorry old thing, small and the foundation is rotted out. The levelers come in every six months – otherwise we cant shut the doors. Frankly we never intended to live in the place, it was purchased in 2003 as a temporary abode until it could be torn down and replaced. Along the way came an international assignment, then the 2008 crash and by the time we were back on our feet, City Hall had crammed an historic ordinance through the system. We’ve went through the numbers. To remodel would cost about $450K and the economic loss on the project would be well over $200K. Just doesn’t

Two cheer for the outgoing year What a year it was, fraught with peril, the most important elections in our nation’s history, rancor in Washington and Austin. I am speaking, of course, about 1860, but we like to think it was 2013 because that makes us feel important. In any event, we need to take a good look at these past 12 months and be happy we can finally view them in our rearview mirror, before Texas Monthly steals our ideas for its Bum Steer Awards. Let’s start in Austin, which North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and his generals have slated for destruction by long range nuclear missiles. Our own People’s Republic of Austin was seen targeted on a chart labeled “US Mainland Strike Plan” in pictures released by the state-run newspaper. Hawaii, Washington DC, and Los Angeles are also going to be taken down. Meals on Deals: Lobbyists threw a party for the 15-member House Calendars Committee and friends. Cost: $22,241.03. State troopers searched handbags of spectators at the Capitol before an abortion debate and allegedly seized tampons, bottles of feces, paint and confetti which were going be thrown on the Senate floor, but let handguns with a permit go through. However, when later asked by reporters, the DPS confirmed no such suspicious items were found. I’m not really a district attorney, I just play one in line-ups: Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge two days after being arrested when a 911 caller reported a vehicle weaving and crossing into oncoming traffic. Video in the jail showed her to be so obnoxious and unruly that she had to be tied to a chair. Now to Washington where Texans totally embarrassed us. Rep. Steve Stockman of Texas retweeted a Reuters article quoting Venezuelan officials blaming “enemies” of their president, Hugo Chavez, for giving him cancer. Stockman then added a joking comment explaining the cause: “Koch cancer-laser satellites.” Chavez had been in ailing health and undergoing cancer treatment before his death. The tweet was deleted only four seconds after publishing, but it was still caught. Texans-on-the-Potomac Quotes of 2013: (Courtesy of the New

ASHBY AT

LARGE

Yorker -- we’ve gone national!) During his 21-hour non-filibuster, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas acknowledged his resemblance to Sen. Joe McCarthy. Despite polls showing overwhelming disapproval of the government shutdown and Cruz’s support of it, Cruz said: “Once again, it appears the Washington establishment is refusing to listen to the American people.” “What is it like to be the most hated man in America?” -Foxy Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly to Cruz. Finally, he renounced his Canadian citizenship, leaving the Birthers trying to figure out why Canada is different from Kenya. Tasteless Tirade: “Let’s roll.” – U.S. Rep. John Culberson of Texas compared GOP efforts to kill Obamacare to the efforts of passengers on Flight 93 to thwart the 9/11 hijackers. “Isn’t that impressive?” – U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas (naturally) asking reporters about a group of House Republicans’ ability to sing three verses of “Amazing Grace.” U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer was caught on TV berating a Park Ranger for keeping tourists out of the National World War II Memorial because of the government shutdown which Neugebauer had voted for. The ranger was working without pay. U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas said that Sen. John McCain “supported Al Qaeda.” Gohmert, of Tyler, warned the world that “radical Islamists” are being trained to “act like Hispanic[s]” to get into the U.S. from Mexico. Photo Finished: When the class photo of the Women Democrats in the new 2012 U.S. House was taken, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, along with three others, was absent. No problem, they were doctored in. Houston, you’ve got a problem: Macy’s closed its downtown store and the place was demolished. “You don’t die from the flu.”

– Houston City Councilman Jack Christie. The hapless Houston Texans installed two massive new video screens in an effort to lure the 2017 Super Bowl to Reliant Stadium. Cowboys Stadium, aka AT&T, in Arlington had the biggest screens, and Houston’s is about 30 percent larger than those. James A. Baker III, honorary chairman of Houston’s Super Bowl Committee, was told by the NFL he couldn’t participate in the city’s presentation to the owners because he’s a “celebrity.” So he worked behind the scenes and, maybe it was his efforts or maybe it was the scoreboards, but Houston got the Super Bowl. However, the Texans lost almost all their games and lost head coach Gary Kubiak, while three former – and also much beloved – head coaches, Bum Phillips, Jack Pardee and Darrell Royal, all went to that great fifth quarter in the sky. Bud Adams also departed. From the birthplace of Dr Pepper: The Balcones Distillery in Waco bested nine others, including storied Scottish names, in a blind panel of British spirits experts. It was the first time an American whiskey won the Best in Glass, a five-year-old competition to find the best whiskey released in a given year. One Minute Warning: Craig James, of Houston’s Stratford High, SMU, NFL, ESPN, ABC and CBS, was fired after one day on Fox Sports Southwest. From the banks of the Brazos: The largest volcano on Earth has been named for Texas A&M. Aggie Prof William Sager named the volcano, as big as New Mexico, Tamu Massif. Unfortunately, it’s at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and no one has ever seen it. Johnny Football, one-time Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, got paid for selling his autographs and was severely punished: he had to sit out the first half of a football game. The Texas Aggies are building the state’s largest stadium with seats for 102,500, which is exactly 2,381 seats more than UT’s Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. What kind of year was 2013? It was when the rest of the nation discovered there is a comma between West and Texas. Now on to 2014. To quote a Texas congressman: Let’s roll! Ashby is Man of the Year (1860) at ashby2@comcast.net

get involved on this page! If you want to send us a letter, we might edit it a little, and we won’t let you personally attack your pesky neighbor. But we’ll publish as many letters as our readers choose to write.

Send to news@theleadernews.com

The Puzzles. Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont... 48. Comedian Carvey 49. Public promotion 50. Federal residential mortgage insurer 52. Location of White House 53. Gives an answer 56. Populates 61. Fires a weapon 62. More tense 63. An outstanding achievement 65. Annotations

CLUES DOWN

CLUES ACROSS 1. Bawled out 10. Former “Today” host 12. Shape anew 13. Skulls 15. Renting dwellers 16. Choose to refrain 18. Anno Domini 19. Old French small coin 20. Carry out 21. Dashes 24. Expresses suspicion 27. Followed the trail of

30. The highest point of something 31. Geological times 33. Cartilaginous structure 34. Hill (Celtic) 35. Bura 37. Center of a wheel 39. __ de plume 41. String, lima or green 42. Greek goddess of discord 44. Move back and forth 47. Britain’s Sandhurst (abbr.)

SUDOKU

1. Buddhist monk of Tibet 2. Egyptian sun god 3. Soft roe 4. Garden planting areas 5. Atomic #89 6. Soul and calypso songs 7. Large European atsh 8. Expunction 9. Impression in a surface 10. PBS lmmaker Burns 11. Former OSS 12. Draft an edict 14. Assistant 15. Proclamation upon nishing 17. Slight head bend 22. Asian ethnic hill people 23. SE Asian goat antelope 24. Aware of the latest trends 25. Person of Arabia 26. Industrial process to produce ammonia 28. Expressed pleasure 29. The plural of crus 32. Old Thailand 36. Riboneucleic acid 38. One who assembles books 40. Cosa Nostra member 43. Pouchlike structures 44. Violent action 45. ___ of March 46. Slum area of a city 51. Valuable, useful pos session 54. Philemon (Biblical abbr.) 55. Shaped bread 56. Fruits of the gourd family 57. Copyread 58. Double curve 59. Photographs (slang) 60. Side sheltered from the wind 64. Atomic #86

Page 5A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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Page 6A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • @heightsleader

Sharing the Love: PTO unites to improve school by Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com Three years ago, Love Elementary began a partnership with the Heights Rotary Club in bringing a character education program named Early Act First Knights. In todayís society, students who are great thinkers and athletes are continuously acknowledged. This program emphasizes the importance of making the right choices. Virtues such as tolerance, responsibility, perseverance, and conﬁdence are some of the virtues that students learn about on a monthly basis. The ideals taught through this program are very much in line with the mission of Love Elementary and its focus on instilling personal and community responsibility in its students. Each month focuses on a different virtue which is integrated into each classroom all month long. At the end of the month there is a “knighting ceremony” where the stage is decorated and awards are given to students who best integrated that month’s virtue into their daily activities. The kids take this program very seriously. As you may remember, Love Elementary was saved from closure in 2011 due in particular to the incredible outpouring of community support and donated resources for the school. This holiday season, in an effort to give back to the community and brighten the lives of its neighbors,

income families themselves makes us even prouder of the response to this project.” The Love Elementary PTO has scheduled a ﬁre truck visit as a special thank you treat for the students. Love extends a special thanks to all of the parents, administrators and community volunteers who made Operation: Share the Love possible: Shawn Bonsen (PTO President), Robert Chavarria, Bronwyn Lauder, Maria Martinez, Julie Law, and Silvia Villalobos, Paul Box (HFD Public Relations), and Terry Stracke and Charlie Thorpe, Heights Rotary Clubís Early Act First Knights organizers.

PTO members Shawn Bonsen, Maria Martinez, Silvia Villalobos and Bronwyn Lauder along with Principal Robert Chavarria have their picture taken with representatives from each class at Love Elementary. (Submitted photo) Love Elementary has teamed up with the Houston Fire Department who sponsors “Operation: Stocking Stuffer.” As the PTO began working out the schedule for how it would advertise, collect and donate for the toy drive, principal Robert Chavarria suggested combining this effort with the “service” theme of this month’s Early Act First Knight’s virtue. The boys and girls at Love Elementary have been learning the importance of helping someone and knowing that service beyond self will help them be better

human beings. There was an overwhelming response from Love’s students for its donation program, dubbed “Operation: Share the Love,” and hundreds of toys were donated. Instead of dropping the mountains of gift donations off at an area ﬁre station as originally planned, representatives from the Houston Fire Department came to the school to pick up the toys. Bronwyn Lauder, Community Outreach Coordinator for Loveís PTO, said, “The fact that the majority of our students come from low

Welcome, Colt Congratulations to Todd and Tiffany Taylor who welcomed their precious new son Colt Wayne Taylor into the world at 1:12 p.m. on Oct. 7. Colt weighed in at 6 pounds., 6 ounces., and was 20 1/4 inches long. Welcome, baby Colt! ODC team enjoyed a great season The Oaks Dads Club Minors Blue Team would like to thank Coach Todd Taylor for coaching a wonderful season. Taylor said, This fall, I had the honor of coaching the Oaks Dad’s Club Minor’s Blue Team. The players consisted of Colby, Blaiden, Zack, Javier, Dylan, Joe, Matthew, Robbie, Walter and CJ. They worked hard,

braved the elements and improved, finishing the season stronger than we started. A special thanks to the Coaches and Dads (Steven E., Ernest, Tony, Steven D., David, Michael and Carlos) who assisted on the field, in the dugout, scoring, and at practice, and to Team Mom, Brandi. I am looking forward to coaching many of the same players in the spring.î Parents observing the boys playing throughout the season noticed a significant improvement in the boys’ ability to anticipate plays and interact successfully with one another on the field, and in throwing and batting techniques. Thanks, Coach Taylor, for making a difference. Sad News from Oak Forest Elementary Matthew Garman, a first grader at Oak Forest elementary, passed away this weekend. I have been following his story. Principal Jenny Thomas notified the school community by writing, “It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to inform you that we have lost one of the bravest and strongest young people this world has ever known...Matthew Garman, a first grade student in Mrs. Anderson’s class, has been ill for several weeks. Our students, families, and teachers have been sending gifts, cards, and messages filled with love through ‘Matthew Mail.’”

Art a la Carte: Looking forward to an art-filled year in 2014 happening, come warm up with Happy New Year! I am really us at the Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 shows. looking forward to 2014 like I’ve got some phenomenally talno other year in a long time, ented musicians lined up too. I can’t say why. I just am. This Also new this year, I will host weekend, I trust, will be no reseveral indoor salon style curated flection of what is coming in art shows, with primarily market the way of art shows for the artists. We are also working on next year. an indoor, permanent retail presWith no shows to cover I’d ence. You know I’ll tell you about like to share with you some Mitch Cohen both here but follow along on the events this spring that I have Arts Columnist website too: www.FirstSaturdayon my calendar. ArtsMarket.com This spring is going to be 2014 Highlights busy. Let’s get me out of the way first. Right out of the gate is a show I’ve waitMy show, the First Saturday Arts Market, will be ten years old the first of March. ed all year for, “365,” by artist Sue DonI’m sure we’ll have something crazy fun aldson on Friday Jan. 10, from 6-9 p.m

and closing reception on Saturday Jan. 11 from 2- 5 p.m. At the Winter Street Studios Gallery, 2102 Winter St. Measuring only four inches square, she says, “It all started with seven words which proved to be the foundation of my daily painting project: Desire, Effort, Tenacity, Discipline, Challenge and cannot forget Creativity and Experimentation.” Preview the work and see more by the artist on her website www.suedonaldson.com. Artists, you do not have to starve for your work, Fresh Arts will host a workshop to guide you in the ways of ﬁnance: Budgeting for Unpredictable Incomes: the art of living well between contracts, led by Tara Faircloth, Freelance Stage Direc-

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THE CALENDAR.

First Annual ‘Deck the Oaks’ Holiday Lights winners announced Dec. 15 The newly formed Oak Forest Women’s Group, a locally-based social service organization, sponsored its ﬁrst event with a holiday lights and home decorating contest, named “Deck the Oaks.” Approximately 30 homes throughout all sections of Oak Forest were judged on their creative illumination and decorative elements on Dec. 10. Deck the Oaks Chair, Diana Davila

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stated, “Oak Forest residents wanted to have somewhere close to drive or walk and enjoy homes decorated for the season. What better place than our own neighborhood? The contest had only one rule ‘be neighbor-friendly!’” Winners were surprised on Dec. 15, escorted by ﬁreﬁghters from Station 13 sounding their siren en route to the winning homes.

OBITUARIES Kenneth R. Benton Sr., 81, born

tion of one’s choice.

May 28, 1932, died Dec. 17.

Ethel R. Gabler, born Jan. 31, 1924 in Houston, died Dec. 22. Gabler taught the kindergarten Sunday school class at White Oak Baptist Church for 40 years. In 1963 she was president of the PTA of Stevens Elementary School. She is survived by her son Robert John Gabler, sister Alma Whelan, brother Sidney Nash, and two granddaughters.

Caleb “Cal” Forbes Davis IV,

born Sept. 1, 1938 in Seattle, died Dec. 18, following a two-month battle with cancer. Davis graduated from Cornell University in 1961 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was employed with Kellogg/Brown & Root, retiring in 2011. He was active in several ministries including Lord of the Streets, Beginning Experience, Spiritual Direction, as well as Cursillo. Most recently he was a member of Grace Anglican Community in Katy. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Spiech-Davis, his children, Caleb Davis V Julie Kutac, stepchildren Daniel and Juliet Childers, and 18 grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Anglican Community Building Fund, the Alzheimer’s Association, or an organiza-

Vivian O’Quinn Hubbell, born June 24, 1921 in Boling, Texas, died Dec. 20 in Houston. Hubbell was a longtime member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter Linda Henderson. Memorial contributions may be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe, Houston 77030 or to St. Mark’s UMC, 600 Pecore St., Houston 77009.

The Houston Bar Association oﬀers free legal advice over the phone through LegalLine. The next session in English will be from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 28. Information: 713-759-1133, www.hba.org.

GHACC BREAKFAST CONNECTION Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel Mr. Kenney’s Winter Wonderland (1623 Althea) First place winner Mr. Kenney is known by his close neighbors for his elaborate Christmas decorating each year. Station 13 Fireﬁghters escorted the Oak Forest Women’s Group to surprise him and the two other winners at home on Dec. 15.

March 9, 1928, in Bremond, Texas, died Dec. 18, after a seven-month illness. Jadloski was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She is survived by her children Herman Jadloski, Shirley Madden, Patricia Gorski, Tim Jadloski, and Mary Williamson, siblings Esther Goerner and Gene Kubiak, eight grandchildren, and ﬁve great-grandchildren.

Louise Virginia Kubiak, 97, born Aug. 6, 1916 in Marlin, Texas, died Dec. 19. Kubiak was a devoted parishioner of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for 50 years and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She is survived by her three children, Daniel E. Kubiak, Patricia M. Croes and Barbara A. Walker, seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Nona E. Lang, 87, born April 22, 1926, died Dec. 16. Lang is survived by sons, Wayne A. Lang and Dennis J. Lang;

Verna C. Jadloski, 85, born on

to www.stjeromecs.org or call 713-4687946

daughter, Cheryl Dew; stepdaughter, Joan Sowders; brother, Otto Wiederhold; sisters, Ella Pannell and Lois Hadley; 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to White Oak Baptist Church, 3615 Mangum Rd., Houston 77092.

The focus for the January Breakfast Connection is city regulations. Former Chamber Board Member Kathryn Van Der Pol will moderate a panel of local business owners. The breakfast will be held from 6:45-8:30 a.m. Jan. 9, at 3000 North Loop West. The cost to attend is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Register online. Information: 713-861-6735, www. heightschamber.com.

GHACC ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel

Invite clients and colleagues to the Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, featuring Dr. Bill Gilmer, professor of economics Joseph Patrick Roth, 63, born at the Bauer School of Business at the Jan. 3, 1950, in Ridgway, Pa., died Dec. 14. University of Houston, from 11 a.m.-1:30 Roth served in the U.S. Army in Frankfurt, p.m. Jan. 23. There will also be exhibits Germany as Specialist E5 staﬀ photogand networking. The hotel is located at rapher. Roth served as Elder, Bible study 3000 North Loop West. Information: 713teacher and church president at Gethse861-6735, www.heightschamber.com. mane Lutheran Church. He is survived by his loving wife Esther; son Nicholas Roth, OPEN HOUSE daughter Taylor Roth and their mother St. Jerome’s Catholic School Lynn Lange; sister Sara Herman, brothers St. Jerome’s, 8825 Kempwood, will host Carl, Raymond Jr., Matthew, Luke; and open houses on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 three grandchildren. Memorial contribua.m.-2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 tions may be made to LOMT, Camp Lone a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, log on Star, P.O. Box 457, La Grange 78945.

Every week OAK FOREST RUNNING CLUB Oak Forest Chill

This free social running club, part of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association, meets at 3542 Oak Forest Drive at 6 p.m. each Tuesday. Brother’s Pizzeria provided post-run food. Information: 281-6859929.

JOB CORPS MEETING 1919 North Loop West

U.S. Labor Department-funded training in more than 20 trades plus courses to earn a GED or high school diploma and degree are available for ages 16-24. Meetings are held 4-7 p.m. on Mondays in Suite 477. Information: 713-880-2454.

LAUGHTER YOGA Heights Library

Laughter Yoga utilizes breathing and play-based exercises for health and wellness by people of all professions/ ages/abilities. Meet from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at 1302 Heights Blvd. Information: www.houstonlaughteryoga.com.

CHAIR YOGA Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital

Free Chair Yoga for cancer survivors and caregivers 2-3 p.m. Mondays at 1635 North Loop West, South Tower, Classroom F. Registration: 713-222-CARE (2273).

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Page 8A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • @heightsleader

Brink joins MH Group

Reagan High’s a recipient of Race to the Top funding

Family medicine physician Naureen Ahmeduddin Brink, DO, has joined Memorial Hermann Medical Group in the Heights. Dr. Brink received her undergraduate degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University and her medical degree from Touro University. She completed her residency with the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. She provides highly personalized care for patients’ ages four and up. Among the many conditions she treats, her special interests include women’s health and preventive medicine. Dr. Brink is seeing patients at 225 W. 19th St.,, and can be reached at Ad # 36774 713.242.2980.

the country for how to develop innovative plans to drive education reform and improve student achievement,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “These diverse, trailblazing districts have a clear vision and track record of success for models of personalized learning that aim for every child to graduate from high school ready for college and careers.” The Texas Legislature enacted a complex set of new regulations, known as HB5, that are beginning to take effect this year and require districts to help students set clear, customized college and career readiness paths, customized to each students. “By enabling us to move forward with Linked Learning, the Department of Education is allowing HISD to enact a model that will immediately be useful to districts throughout Texas, one that can serve as an example for personalized learning throughout the nation,” Grier said. This is the second major national honor for HISD this year. In September, the district won the Broad Prize for Urban Education, becoming the ﬁrst twotime winner of the award. More than 200 districts applied for Race to the Top funding. For more on the applicants, their programs, and the decision-making process, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

The Houston Independent School District learned Tuesday that it has won nearly $30 million in federal Race to the Top funding, the only urban school system to be named a winner in this round of district competition. Reagan High was among the eight HISD schools listed in the ﬁrst phase of the model. The announcement was made on Dec. 17 by Education Secretary Arne Duncan at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. “This funding is an acknowledgment of the work we’ve done, as a giant urban district, to personalize learning to each student – and a belief by the Department of Education in the work we intend to do,” said Superintendent Terry Grier. The funds will go to “Linked Learning,” a new model of teaching from elementary through high school that enables students to begin early college and career readiness through project-based learning. Youngsters move on to exploring aptitudes and life interests in middle school, and focus on career academies in high school. Other winners, sharing $120 million in funding were school districts in South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky and Arkansas. “These winners serve as an example to the rest of

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NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS Ring in the New Year at St. Stephen’s

All in the community are welcome to ring in the New Year Dec. 31 at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. Games will begin at 8 p.m. in the fellowship hall, followed by a New Year’s fellowship breakfast at midnight. The VIPs, a fellowship group for men and women age 50+, will hold their first meeting of the new year Thursday, Jan. 9, in the fellowship hall. Games begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by entertainment at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon. Cost is $8 per person. Call the office to reserve a seat and for information on a VIPs field trip to Beaumont Jan. 10. Call 713-686-8241 or visit www. stsumc.org for information.

Receive a blessing for the new year at St. Mark’s

In contemplation of the New Year, receive a blessing and take Holy Communion from 6-8 p.m. (come and go) Dec. 31, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore. For information call 713-8613104 or visit www.smumc.org.

Counseling sessions at St. Matthew’s

St. Matthew’s will offer family and individual counseling sessions by Brandon Wheeler, a licensed marital and family therapist.

An opening for the position of part-time secretary has been posted. Anyone interested in the position should forward a resume and cover letter to pastorfrank01@gmail.com. Call 713-697-0671 for information.

‘Proof of Heaven’ book study at St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Road, will present a book study called “Proof of Heaven,” in a ﬁve-part series. These faith-building discussions make an excellent prelude to Lent, with the last session ending the week before Lent. Any donation to offset the cost of the book is appreciated. Call 713-686-3857 for information.

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to announce it has extended its hours and is now open MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to better accommodate the community. MANNA is looking for sociable and extroverted volunteers who enjoy planning events to help further the mission of helping those in need in the community. MANNA is looking for group(s) or individuals who would like to serve on its fundraising committee. For information call Patricia Dornak, executive director, at 713-504-5486 or email her at pdornak@gmail.com.

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MANNA needs volunteers

Make a difference in the community by volunteering just a few hours, one day a week. Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance (MANNA) a coalition of churches and community partners, provides social services in near northwest Houston, is seeking volunteers for the Assistance Program, Vision Center, Food Pantry and Resale Store. Students at least 16 years of age are welcomed. All volunteers must attend a training and orientation session. MANNA Resale Store is pleased

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Church Guide

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689

“The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

Food Pantry, Thurs. 2-4:30 PM www.graceintheheights.org

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Grace United Methodist Church

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Oaks Presbyterian Church

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Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

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First Baptist Church Heights Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Prayer Metting 6:00pm

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

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201 E. 9th St. • www.fbcheights.org

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renda could see I was out of paper, so she shared some of hers with me. I would have been lost without it. I would have been unable to complete and pass the test if she had not shared. Sometimes we are a little low on faith just as I was low on paper. Life presents some challenging tests which we cannot nish successfully unless we are able to borrow some faith from someone else. That is an important purpose of the church: to provide a fellowship in which faith can be shared among the faithful. It makes for a strong, joyous, and comforting fellowship. But what about those OUTSIDE the church? They face all the tests common among human beings, and they often face them with no faith at all, or with misplaced faith. How often I have prayed with fellow Christians in tragic moments and heard them comment, “I don’t know how people are able to face things like this without Jesus!” I suppose some people have their own ways of coping without Christ. I know many do not. My experience with grieving families is that a person’s faith makes a palpable difference in such moments. What if we were as sensitive to people’s need of faith in their times of testing as Brenda was sensitive to my need of paper on Mr. Busey’s civics test? What if we would simply and naturally share our faith with anyone facing any challenge, great or small, whether they were church friends, familiar neighbors, or strangers we have just met? At the moment of crisis, it may be better not to talk about ourselves at all, but merely to listen with compassion. However, we often nd opportunities when it would be appropriate to say something like, “My relationship with Christ has been all I could hold on to at times.” Or, “I always said I could not live without my wife, but when she died, God gave me strength I did not know I had.” What if we prayed every day for God to keep us as alert to opportunities to share our faith as Brenda was alert to share her paper? Might it not mean the difference in someone’s passing or failing at something much more important than a school exam?

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Page 9A • The Leader • December 28, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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2013 • from Page 1A the community. A series of community meetings were held, and the Oak Forest Homeowners Association decided it was best to pursue a contract with S.E.A.L., a private security ﬁrm. Oak Forest HOA leaders were determined to raise money for S.E.A.L.’s services, and they exceeded their goals, which resulted in more ofﬁcers and more hours allocated to the program. • While some residents were advocating for S.E.A.L., a Houstonbased group – the Armed Citizens Project – garnered international headlines when it started a program to give away free shotguns to residents in the 77092 zip code who passed a background check and took a one-day training course. • Crime continued to be an issue in the area, with burglaries of motor vehicles and other incidents – such as the shooting of car windows in several Woodland Heights cars – affected the neighborhoods.

4. New look Heights

The Heights continued to change, and one of the obvious signs was the addition of several Austin-based restaurants such as Torchy’s Tacos and Pluckers. • While these dining establishments were regularly welcomed without controversy, mid-tower developments such as Studewood Tower and Morrison Heights drew opposition from longtime Heights residents, who hope to maintain the unique and historic character of the neighborhood. • Tommie Vaughn Ford, a ﬁxture in the Heights since 1955, has decided to revitalize its building with a brand new showroom as well as service and retail space that will debut in early 2014.

5. Community improvements

Thanks to the dedication of community leaders, residents and volunteers, the area was able to improve many of its parks and schools. • Shepherd Park, near Durham Elementary School, hosted a cleanup day in October that was attended by Mayor Annise Parker.

Some things couldn’t go fast enough (like the endless construction on 610 and 290), and other things seemed to go too fast – even for development (like the demolition of part of Baptist Temple). • The efforts to improve Stevens Elementary in Oak Forest have been ongoing. From beautiﬁcation projects throughout the year, to homebuilder Justin Gordon’s $12,000 donation for a new marquee in December, the school continues to improve. • Helms Elementary School in the Heights, under the leadership of principal Diana del Pilar, continued to improve its campus, through strengthening its academic programs and beautifying its campus.

6. Legacy passes

Libby Lee, the wife of the late Heights icon Clayton Lee Jr., passed away at age 95 in November. She left a legacy of building the Heights into the extraordinary neighborhood that it has become. Lee was involved in many civic projects along with her husband, and left an impact on many individuals in the community. Lee was very involved in the Heights civic community as a member of the Houston Heights Woman’s Club, and a past president of both the Houston Heights Women in Rotary and Women’s Auxiliary to Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors. In her ﬁnal months, Lee was still involved with the Houston Heights Woman’s Club.

7. Hard to say goodbye

Local residents bid farewell to two longtime ﬁxtures in the community – the Fiesta store at Studewood and 14th St. and Baptist Temple Church. The Baptist Temple Church, on 19th St. in the Heights, was built in 1912, and had some buildings from the 1940s. Much of it was demolished as the property was sold to Braun Enterprises. Fiesta was demolished to make room for Village of the Heights, a senior living center in the neighborhood, owned by Bridgewood Properties. Employees were offered other positions at the Fiesta locations near Moody Park and at 2300 Shepherd Drive. Customers on the ﬁnal day were handed $25 discount coupons to continue to shop at one of those Fiestas.

ment of a section of Allston Street appears to be unchanged as traffic impact analysis looks at the effect of the proposed Alexan Yale midrise luxury apartments at Yale and 5th streets, LUC sources said. • Heights residents tried, unsuccessfully, to save a massive, old sycamore tree on 23rd and Oxford. A city urban forester told the residents that they had no legal grounds to continue their fight, and the arborist hired by a developer to remove the tree. • The Houston Archaelogical and Historical Commission (HAHC), along with the city’s Planning Commission, has made it difficult for homeowners in the Heights to renovate their homes, due to the historic nature of the homes. It has caused a great deal of controversy among some homeowners, who feel that they should have the right to renovate their house without approval from the city government.

9. Endless traﬃc problems Houston already has a ton of

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traffic, but anyone who’s driven near the U.S. 290 and Loop 610 intersection knows its amplified due to ongoing construction near both of those roads. Detours and closed ramps have contributed to the frustration for residents who drive those roads. It’s been a long wait for area residents, but according to TxDOT Public Information Officer Karen Othon the completed westbound entrance ramp to I-610 at T.C. Jester is almost a reality. She said that TxDOT still anticipates a Jan. 31.

Burge, who co-founded the Chamber in 1987, was named its �� new �� president in June. ��

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The Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce, the premier Chamber of Commerce in the Leader area, saw a change at the top earlier this year. Ken Stallman stepped down as Chamber president, after four years, in April. Former chamber chairperson Mickey Blake said Stallman “worked to build our membership and our ﬁnancial health.” Former Leader owner Terry

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8. Growing pains

As real estate continued to grow in the area, it hasn’t been without controversy. The Houston Heights Association’s Land Use Committee meeting Monday night was working on issues regarding future parks and lingering homeowner compliance issues related to deed restrictions and building codes. The status of Trammell Crow Residential’s request for abandon-

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